PHILADELPHIA – William R. Wagner Head Coach Jerry McConnell announced the University of Pennsylvania sprint football team's incoming recruiting class for the 2025 season on Wednesday afternoon.
 
"We are excited about the incoming class of freshmen and believe this group will have an immediate impact on our program," said McConnell. "This group has a chance to be really special, and we can't wait to see them on Franklin Field this fall."
 
Eight student-athletes make up Penn's Class of 2029, spanning six different states and several position groups.
 
The Quakers open their season up Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. against Caldwell at Franklin Field.
 
Penn Sprint Football Class of 2029
 
Charlie Almeida
DB/LB | West Chester, Pa. | Unionville
 
High School
Three-year letterwinner at Unionville High School … Captain his senior season … Team won league championship … First Team All-League in 2024 … Named Defensive MVP in 2024 … Valor Bowl selection.
Personal
Sister Ellen plays field hockey at Penn … Father Jeff played basketball at Trinity College … Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn?
"I chose Penn for the endless opportunities the school provides and the tight-knit brotherhood that comes with being a part of sprint football."
 
Ryan Goodrich
RB | Whitehall, Mich. | Whitehall
 
High School
Lettered three years at Whitehall High School … Captain his senior year … Two-time District Champion in football … All-State linebacker … Lettered in wrestling and baseball.
Personal
Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn?
"I chose Penn because of its academic culture, which pushes me, as well as the strong bond fostered within the Sprint community."
 
Ezra Granet
P/K | San Diego, Calif. | The Bishop's School in La Jolla
 
High School
Four-year letterwinner at the Bishop's School in La Jolla … Team won league championship in 2022 and 2023 … Four-year letterwinner and All-League soccer player as well.
Personal
Brother Isiah played hockey at Washington … Brother Elijah fenced at Columbia … Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn?
"I chose to go to Penn because it's the kind of place where I can grow—both as a student and as a person. I'm not sure what I want to study yet, and that's one of the reasons I was drawn to the College of Arts and Sciences. I love that I can explore everything from economics to environmental science without having to lock myself into one path right away. Beyond the academics, what stood out to me was the energy on campus—the sense that people aren't just doing impressive things, but they're also supporting each other while they do it. I want to be part of a community like that. Penn feels like a place where I'll be challenged, inspired, and surrounded by people who care about making a difference."
 
Jayden Janock
OL/LB | Marblehead, Mass. | Marblehead
 
High School
Four-year letterwinner at Marblehead High School … Team won the Northeastern Conference title in 2023 and 2024 … Also lettered in tennis.
Personal
Brother Cam played sprint football at Penn … Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn?
"I chose Penn because of its outstanding academics and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary exploration. The university's flexible curriculum and vibrant intellectual community align perfectly with my academic interests and desire to engage deeply across multiple fields. Being in Philadelphia also adds an exciting cultural and historical dimension to the college experience."
 
Hugh Maley
LB | Doylestown, Pa. | William Penn Charter
 
High School
Four-year letterwinner at William Penn Charter … Two-time All-League linebacker … 239 career total tackles.
Personal
Sister Emma plays soccer at Union College … Sister Kelsey plays soccer at Wooster College … Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn?
"I chose Penn so I can create lifelong relationships with like-minded people."
 
Xavier May IV
RB/LB | Overland Park, Kan. | Pembroke
 
High School
Four-year letterwinner at Pembroke High School … Captain his junior and senior years … Team won the Crossroads Conference and District Championships in 2024 … Also lettered in basketball and track.
Personal
Dad Floyd won the Heritage Bowl at Howard … Enrolled in the Wharton School of Business.
Why Penn?
"I chose Penn for the opportunity to study at the world's best business school while playing sprint football for a storied program."
 
Matthew Newbold                    
OL/DL | Overland Park, Kan. | Pembroke
 
High School
Played varsity football and lacrosse at Pembroke High School … Team won the Kansas City Crossroads Conference and Missouri District Championship in 2024.
Personal
Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn?
"I chose Penn because I loved the community here, from the faculty, staff, and all the other students. Everyone here is helpful and inspires you to be better as a person. The school also has fabulous academic resources to make me a well-rounded student and prepare me for the future, all against the backdrop of Philadelphia. I also couldn't say no to the opportunity to play sprint football here. I can be a part of something bigger than myself, part of this brotherhood of compassion and competition. It was a pretty easy decision on this school."
 
Luke Sharp
LB | Lewisville, Texas | Hebron
 
High School
Three-year letterwinner at Hebron High School … Texas UIL 6A Division I Regional Finalist … Also lettered in baseball.
Personal
Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Why Penn?
"I chose Penn because it allows me to continue doing what I love athletically while pursuing a rewarding education surrounded by other ambitious individuals."